Self-sealing squeeze tube

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a squeeze tube having a self-sealing orifice with a slotted diaphragm sloping inward toward the squeeze tube for use in dispensing the contents of the squeeze tube. The slotted diaphragm has an initial seal that is broken on first use and has a replaceable cap for further sealing the squeeze tube. Pressure applied to the squeeze tube forces open the slotted diaphragm allowing the contents to be dispensed. Relief of pressure causes the slotted diaphragm spring back to its original closed position thus sealing the squeeze tube.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0001] The following United States Patents are most closely related to the present invention: U.S. Patent Documents 4917267 Apr., 1990 Laverdure 222/541 5012956 May., 1991 Stoody 222/94  5076474 Dec., 1991 Hansen 222/541 5226568 Jul., 1993 Newton et al. 222/212 5228593 Jul., 1993 O'Meara 222/541 5398853 Mar., 1995 Latham 222/491 5911344 June, 1999 Kieras 222/183

[0002] Generally, squeeze tubes and bottles containing toothpaste, cream, shampoo and the like have twist on caps or flip tops that tend to get lost or left open after use. This causes loss or deterioration of the contents.

[0003] The present invention seals the tube automatically without intervention from the user thus saving the contents. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and provides benefits foreseen in the prior art.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing squeeze tube.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing squeeze tube to prevent deterioration of the contents.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing squeeze tube to prevent inadvertent discharge of the contents.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing squeeze tube with a cap.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing squeeze tube with a flip top.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing squeeze tube to provide a clean cut-off of contents.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to is to provide a self-sealing squeeze tube to provide controlled dispensing of contents.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of various embodiments having a two-slotted diaphragm, a three-slotted diaphragm and a four-slotted diaphragm.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a three-slotted diaphragm having been forced open.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a three-slotted diaphragm having a flip top.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cap comprising a three-slotted diaphragm with a flip top Reference Numerals in Drawing 1 squeeze tube 2 tube threads 3 two slotted diaphragm 4 three slotted diaphragm 5 four slotted diaphragm 6 cap 7 cone 8 flip top 9 squeeze tube cap 10 hinge

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention comprises a squeeze tube 1 in FIG. 1 and tube threads 2 for fitting a cap 6. A slotted diaphragm 3,4 and 5 in FIG. 1 comprising a plurality of slots sloping inward toward the squeeze tube is used. The slotted diaphragm has an initial seal that is broken using a cone 7 located on the outside end of the cap by pressing the cone tip against the three-slotted diaphragm.

[0016] To dispense the contents FIG. 2, pressure is applied to the squeeze tube forcing open the slotted diaphragm. The diaphragm is forced outward sloping away from the squeeze tube. When the pressure is released, the inward slope provides a spring-like action and allows the slotted diaphragm to spring back to its original inward sloping position thus resealing the squeeze tube.

[0017] Other embodiments include a two-slotted diaphragm 3 in FIG. 1, a three-slotted diaphragm 4 and a four-slotted diaphragm 5. In another embodiment, the squeeze tube comprises a flip top 8 in FIG. 3.

[0018] In a still further embodiment, a squeeze tube cap 9 in FIG. 4 comprises a three-slotted diaphragm 4, a flip top 8, a cone and a hinge. To break the squeeze tube cap seal, the flip top is twisted at the hinge 10 to allow the cone tip to press against the slotted diaphragm.

[0019] The invention is not limited to the examples of construction described previously, but encompasses numerous embodiments, modifications and improvements. 

I claim:
 1. A self-sealing squeeze tube comprising a slotted diaphragm.
 2. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 1 further comprising tube threads.
 3. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 1 further comprising a cap.
 4. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 1 further comprising a flip top.
 5. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 1 whereby said slotted diaphragm comprises a plurality of slots and an initial seal.
 6. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 5 further comprising a cap having a cone for breaking said initial seal.
 7. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 1 whereby said slotted diaphragm is sloped inward toward the squeeze tube.
 8. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 7 whereby pressure applied to said squeeze tube forces open the slotted diaphragm outward sloping away from said squeeze tube thus dispensing the contents.
 9. A self-sealing squeeze tube according to claim 8 whereby when pressure is released, the inward slope provides a spring-like action and allows said slotted diaphragm to spring back to its original inward sloping position thus resealing said self-sealing squeeze tube.
 10. A self-sealing squeeze tube cap comprising a slotted diaphragm for fitting on a squeeze tube.
 11. A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to claim 10 whereby said slotted diaphragm comprises a plurality of slots and an initial seal.
 12. A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to claim 11 further comprising a flip top.
 13. A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to claim 12 further comprising a cap having a cone for breaking said initial seal.
 14. A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to claim 10 whereby said slotted diaphragm is sloped inward toward the squeeze tube.
 15. A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to claim 14 whereby pressure applied to said squeeze tube forces open the slotted diaphragm outward sloping away from said squeeze tube thus dispensing the contents.
 16. A self-sealing squeeze tube cap according to claim 15 whereby when pressure is released, the inward slope provides a spring-like action and allows said slotted diaphragm to spring back to its original inward sloping position thus resealing said self-sealing squeeze tube cap. 